Thursday, January 29, 2009

London Calling

Buckingham Palace dressed in the Union Jack flag for Christmas 2003

After some deliberation, Fabian and I have decided to visit London in September. We sort of went back and forth and he kept giving me the run around, just as he does anytime I try to convince him to take a trip. We didn't take a vacation together last year, with the exception of a long weekend in San Francisco for his birthday and my trip to Spain, which was more like work since I took students.I was rooting for Spain for a while (I fell head over heels in love with it last summer) to which he would reply, "We'll see". One day, I randomly threw London into the mix and he could not have been more excited. I think the key is to find a destination he is really interested in as well. We are both really looking forward to this trip because we've never been to London before and we have wanted to visit for quite some time.I've started making a list of all of the major sites we'd like to see (Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, The Tate Modern, The National Gallery, The Globe Theatre, etc). However, I would appreciate any tips you might be willing to give. Are there any specific places that we must see? Anything you felt was disappointing? Recommendations for restaurants would be great, too (mostly casual places). I would honestly love any insider tips you would be willing to offer.

16 comments:

I'm happy for you and Fabian. I actually enjoyed the Notting Hill area -- very quirky shops, cafes, and flea markets. My sister spent a few weeks there last year so I'll find out more from her. Keep us updated on your plans.

My most favorite museum in London was the Cabinet War Rooms/Churchill Museum. From my point of view it is not to be missed. They are almost exactly in the condition they were in when they were used because after WW II was over they were hastily closed up (practically forgotten about) Really incredible - a must see.

Oh my the list of places I could recommend is rather long so maybe I will gather some ideas together and bombard you another time!! I lived just outside of London and there is so much to do! how long are you there for? xx

Oh, I'm so jealous, I love London! I spent my 21st birthday there and it was amazing!

I cant remember what magazine it was but I recently saw the London Design center and almost died! It might not be a place that Fabian would enjoy but if you have a few hours to sneak away maybe that would be fun! Also Harrods is alot of fun- its obvi a huge tourist trap and things are overpriced imo, but its so much fun to window shop. Ok, I did buy a few things in there because I wanted the Harrods bag, but please dont think less of me :)

You must go to the portobello market. it is so enchanting and you are sure to find some treasures. the Tate modern is amazing and the national library is really neat too. They have original manuscripts of some very famous books.

Great picture.. LOVE London.. you will love it. Def do your research on where to shop.....there are so many fabulous shops that people mention in blogland. We went to Jamie Oliver's restaurant and that was really fun. I am dreaming of staying at the hotel called Number Sixteen

I've been a lurker on your blog for a while and thought I would post since I lived in London for a year. Instead of doing a hugely long comment, I'd be happy to email you?

One of my favorite museums in London is the Wallace Collection (if you like the decorative arts, it's a must-see!). Definitely do all of the touristy stuff and ride one of the big buses in order to orient yourself and to see a lot of the city fairly quickly. In addition, I'd recommend the Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews (if you like horses & carriages), the London Eye (great views of the city) and Windsor Castle - so lovely.

My husband and I are headed to London in March - it's a wonderful city and we never tire of it. Hope you have a terrific time!

I would love it if you would e-mail me. My e-mail address is palomascontreras@hotmail.com.Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I am so glad you did and hope that you will continue to do so. Thank you for reading! :)